Microgestin® FE1/20 Birth control methods have come a long way over the years and so has our ability to receive education about them. When you feel like the time is right, speak with your physician about starting on oral contraceptives, better known as birth control pills. By working with your body on a hormonal level, you will have a 99.9% reduction in the chance of pregnancy when taken correctly. There are a number of different birth control pills out there but one of the main differences is choosing a combination pill versus the mini pill. The combination pill is the category Microgestin® FE 1/20 falls in to. This means that two female hormones are contained in the pill. These hormones are ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Together they prevent pregnancy from occurring in a number of ways. First, they work to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg) from occurring at all. Secondly, the vaginal mucus and the uterine lining are both thickened. When the uterine lining becomes thicker, it becomes much more challenging for an egg to implant if fertilization does occur. Additionally, the thicker vaginal mucus helps prevent the sperm from swimming to an egg if one is released. Microgestin® FE 1/20 Effectiveness When taken perfectly (as directed by the physician and pharmacist), Microgestin® FE 1/20 effectiveness is around 99.9%. While you will need to read all the prescribing info provided to you, there are a few key points to keep in mind. You will want to take the pill at the same time every day and at a time that you will easily remember. Some women find that the first thing in the morning is a good time to take it, while others prefer to take the pill while they are getting ready for bed. Either way, the most important point is to take it at the same time each day. If you don’t, it is possible that ovulation and eventually fertilization can occur if you remain sexually active. You should also let your doctor know any time you are prescribed medication (especially antibiotics) that you are on birth control. If there will be a breach in coverage while on the medication, a doctor will be able to let you know and may suggest one of the many backup methods of birth control temporarily. Birth Control Methods While most of us have heard of the “pull out” birth control method where a man pulls out prior to ejaculating, this is not a highly successful method and pregnancy may still occur. There are more tried and true methods like barrier birth control methods. These include both female and male condoms. Many women prefer the high efficacy and ease of use associated with hormonal birth control pills. Birth Control Pills Finding the right birth control pills for you is something that can easily be achieved by discussing your needs, preferences, questions and concerns with your physician or pharmacist. There is also a lot of research you can conduct online in order to educate yourself of the many birth control methods available. Once you have a general idea of what you are looking for, your doctor can steer you toward the right medication.